We do this for several reasons. First, and foremost, we do it for time-management purposes. It is simply not possible for us to make a site visit to every potential client who calls us; there is just not enough time in the day. We can help more people by reducing our travel time.
Second, many of the calls we receive are from people who are shopping around for the lowest price. By making the effort to come to our office and discuss their landscape situation, potential clients are demonstrating to us that they have made a serious commitment to fulfilling one of their needs. We are looking for that level of commitment in our clients, because without it the design process cannot be successful.
Third, we feel it is important for potential clients to check us out (and vice-versa) without obligation before entering into any type of contractual agreement. At our office, we have many resources that are invaluable in helping potential clients make decisions; most of these resources would be impossible to take on a sales call. Through videos and photographs we can demonstrate how we solved other problems similar to that of the potential client. That's basically all we can do at this point. The potential client is usually going to leave this meeting without any doubt as to whether or not Wayside is the company they want to work with.
Fourth, we have a beautiful office and landscape. It is a fun and enjoyable place to visit. As you can imagine, our landscape is in a constant state of improvement as we test and explore new ideas and materials. It would be difficult to leave without taking at least one new idea home with you.
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